Is the Main Intent of Vaping Industry to Exploit Young People?

The vaping industry is often accused of targeting young people with the primary intention of getting them addicted to nicotine. This article explores the truth behind these claims and discusses the roles of different players in the vaping market.

Big Tobacco's Misleading Narrative

There is a significant misunderstanding in the industry that is being propagated by Big Tobacco companies. Over the past few decades, these companies have been known to target youth with their marketing strategies, as they believe this age group offers the highest return on investment (ROI) with a highly effective market. Big Tobacco's aim is to push a new addiction rather than offering a solution to the decades-old smoking problem.

Example: Juul

Juul is a prime example of the tactics employed by Big Tobacco. They strategically place ads in magazines like Vice, emphasizing a glamorous lifestyle. Their marketing campaigns are well-documented, and Juuling becoming a verb was no accident. By eliminating flavors, Big Tobacco aims to steer vapers towards their conventional products. Juuls, with their high nicotine concentrations and discreet vapor production, have successfully facilitated a "headrush" among young people.

The Duality of the Industry

The vaping industry consists of two distinct parts: Big Tobacco and non-Big Tobacco companies. While Big Tobacco seeks to exploit youth for profit, non-Big Tobacco companies were founded to help adults quit smoking. As someone deeply involved in the industry, I firmly believe in the potential of vape products to save millions of lives.

However, the narrative is heavily skewed by Big Tobacco, which is why it's essential to fight for fair regulations that empower adults while limiting youth access to vaping devices.

Addressing the Youth Uptake Issue

The primary driver of youth uptake in vaping is the lifestyle advertising by Big Tobacco, coupled with the ease of access to pods with high nicotine concentrations. To mitigate this, the following steps can be taken:

Ban vaping liquids above 20 mg concentration, similar to European standards. Remove all flavored vaping products from non-age-gated environments; sell them only in vape shops. Ban public advertising that can reach youth. Prohibit Big Tobacco from handing out free devices at colleges, parties, clubs, and street parties. Significantly increase fines for regulation violators.

By implementing these measures, we can reduce the appeal of vaping to young people while providing adults with a safer alternative to smoking.

Why Big Tobacco Pushes for New Addiction

Big Tobacco's primary goal is to create a new addiction, which brings immense profits. They are willing to harm human lives to achieve their financial objectives, viewing death, sickness, and disease as mere business costs.

Another critical issue is the lack of accountability. No one can sue a tobacco company, highlighting their ability to influence public perception through misinformation and discrediting the truth.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Truth Behind the Scenes

The vaping industry represents a significant threat to Big Tobacco's revenue. Consequently, they are employing their typical playbook: skewing public perception, spreading misinformation, and silencing the truth.

To bring about change, it's crucial to:

Support your local politicians with knowledge and transparency. Investigate who is funding the anti-vape campaign. Examine the investments in politicians' pension funds.

Together, we can uncover the truth and ensure a fair and safe vaping industry that benefits both adults and society as a whole.